‘Remind Me of Charlie’: Tiger Woods Honor’s His Mentor While Announcing a Young Star for His Upcoming Event

Apart from his feats in sports, Tiger Woods has helped hundreds and thousands off the course to better their life. His many contributions to society also include the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption, an award given by Woods as a ticket to his event, Genesis Invitational. The 15-time Major winner has recently announced a new recipient of the award on his Twitter account. Let’s take a look at who it is.

The best golfers around the world compete in the annual PGA Tour event in Riviera. However, the winner of the Sifford exemption is also given a freeway into the tournament hosted by Tiger. Though the award has been given since 2009 to celebrate diversity in golf, it was only in 2017, two years after Sifford’s passing, the name was changed to the revolutionary golfer Charlie Sifford.

Sifford was the first African American golfer to compete on the PGA Tour. The golfer has been an idol for many, including the fan favorite Tiger Woods, who claimed to have called Sifford ‘Grandpa’. Nonetheless, let’s take a look at who received the prominent award in 2023.

Who did Tiger Woods pick for the 2023 Charlie Sifford Exemption Award?

The 2023 Genesis Invitational is less than a month away from our TV sets. While fans were eager to know about Woods’ participation in the event, he announced which deserving golfer with a lack of opportunities will compete in the PGA Tour event next month.

The Hall of Famer and the tournament organizers have picked Marcus Byrd, who competes in the Advocates, as the recipient of the 2023 Charlie Sifford Exemption Award. He will be the talented golfer who will step foot on the Riviera Golf Club on February 16th.

In the APGA, Byrd has racked up plenty of wins. Though he will be competing under the bright lights of the PGA Tour next month, it isn’t his first visit to the American Tour. He made his PGA Tour debut at the 2022 Corales Puntacana Championship but failed to make the cut.

Read More: Tiger Woods Doesn’t Even Spare His Dogs From Escaping the Grind as They’re Specially Trained to Help Him on the Golf Course

However, Marcus Byrd hopes to seek vengeance for his past performance at next month’s Genesis Invitational. After announcing the winner of the 2023 Charlie Sifford Exemption award on Twitter, the event host Woods also had some words for the recipient.

Byrd reminds Tiger of Charlie Sifford

Following the announcement of Marcus Byrd claiming the prominent award, Tiger Woods had some words for the rising talent. “Marcus has shown resiliency and perseverance in pursuit of a professional playing career,” Woods said. “These are qualities that remind me of Charlie and his journey. I look forward to watching Marcus compete at Riviera”.

The 2023 Charlie Sifford Exemption Award winner also shared his emotions after winning the opportunity. He said, “It’s a true honor to receive the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption into the 2023 Genesis Invitational. I cannot wait to compete at Riviera and represent Mr. Sifford with my play”. 

Sifford has been considered an idol by Tiger Woods. After his passing in 2015, Woods decided to pay a tribute to his hero by naming the award after him. Hopefully, Marcus Byrd delivers an impressive performance in Riviera and makes the Hall of Famer proud of his decision.

Watch This Story: When Will Tiger Woods Play Golf Again?

What are your thoughts on the new recipient? Let us know in the comments section below.